If I may add another survival strategy to your list: go outside. Even if it's only for 10 minutes. Natural light is super important for fending off SAD, and the fresh air is also good for the body and soul. (No one likes this advice, but it works.)
I love this advice and I think the easiest way for me to do it at the drop of a hat is to wear base layers throughout the day. Much easier to step outside when I don’t have to go through the whole rigamarole of getting ready for it.
"the joy of any day, in any season, is in the small things. They’re the things you have more control over and they’re the things that can instantly lift your mood."
I completely agree with this! I struggle with some mental health challenges, and it's often the little things that help me through the day. Having a book I enjoy reading, reading aloud I book I also enjoy to my children, my favorite coffee drink I brew at home, buying/picking fresh flowers (in the winter even a branch of evergreen is lovely!), listening to music I like, scouring the thrift stores for treasures, are a few things that help me.
We're fans of "All Creatures Great and Small here"! We also enjoy watching "When Calls the Heart". Blessings to you and yours!
Sorry, my response posted as a standalone! Here it is again:
I think we (and most certainly I have) overlooked how important the little moments are! So glad to have you here, Melisa. I love the idea to scour a thrift store—who can resist a treasure hunt?
And always happy to meet a fan of period dramas. I loved When Calls The Heart but unfortunately couldn’t find where to watch the last few seasons. 😢
I was nodding my head in agreement with practically every paragraph you wrote here!Regarding lighting, I try not use overhead lighting in the evenings to make the house cozier and so that our bodies attempt to slow down as the sun goes down. It seems to work better on me than my children, but I’ll try anything to make for a smoother bedtime!
Woot! Glad to hear it struck a chord with you (and that I’m not the only one who feels this way). Even if it’s just you that ends up feeling restful from the ambient lighting, that sounds a win to me!
Katy!! We love her. The map is my favorite. I can’t wait to read 1. This post in full 2. The rest of these kids books! Then I’ll pretend it’ll snow instead of get back up to the 80’s again next week.
I, too, am looking forward to All Creatures Big and Small. I also think a lot about lighting.
Although I have never considered myself a winter person. I recently realized that I have a general proclivity towards coziness year-round and since this is most culturally acceptable during the winter--am I really a winter person? It's turned my world upside down.
I think this may in fact indicate you are a winter person ha! I wonder if we go through seasons in life (obviously pun intended) of the seasons itself. My twenties were all about the summer but maybe, this decade is about a restful, recovering winter? That sounds pretty divine, actually.
I love your cake plan! Please give us updates! Winter is our outdoor season here in the desert, so I am looking forward to being outside without roasting. But summer dread is real here and what gets me through is similar to what you've mentioned--finding some small beauty to savor each day. I use my IG account, but any place you can make a record to look back on helps. I also make sure to plan something special each month in the last bits of the heat. We went camping at Grand Canyon this August, but even a day trip to somewhere with different restaurants and museums will do.
Absolutely will be updating you on the cake. We may emerge in Spring absolutely sick of it 😝
I love all the wonderful things you do and plan! And that’s such a smart idea of keeping a record. What a wonderful way to get an immediate endorphin boost just recalling the fun.
I love adding lamps and flameless tapers around the house in the winter. The flickering lights are so cozy. It was my goal to read One Hundred Years of Solitude this year as part of my rereading project but I'm pushing it back to next year... so I'll have to reread before I can watch! Hope you have a restful December.
I think we (and most certainly I have) overlook how important the little moments are! So glad to have you here, Melisa. I love the idea to scour a thrift store—who can resist a treasure hunt?
And always happy to meet a fan of period dramas. I loved When Calls The Heart but unfortunately couldn’t find where to watch the last few seasons. 😢
If I may add another survival strategy to your list: go outside. Even if it's only for 10 minutes. Natural light is super important for fending off SAD, and the fresh air is also good for the body and soul. (No one likes this advice, but it works.)
I love this advice and I think the easiest way for me to do it at the drop of a hat is to wear base layers throughout the day. Much easier to step outside when I don’t have to go through the whole rigamarole of getting ready for it.
Yes! Then again, I am so cold in winter that I am always wearing something wool on top and often on my feet as well. Same, same.
"the joy of any day, in any season, is in the small things. They’re the things you have more control over and they’re the things that can instantly lift your mood."
I completely agree with this! I struggle with some mental health challenges, and it's often the little things that help me through the day. Having a book I enjoy reading, reading aloud I book I also enjoy to my children, my favorite coffee drink I brew at home, buying/picking fresh flowers (in the winter even a branch of evergreen is lovely!), listening to music I like, scouring the thrift stores for treasures, are a few things that help me.
We're fans of "All Creatures Great and Small here"! We also enjoy watching "When Calls the Heart". Blessings to you and yours!
Sorry, my response posted as a standalone! Here it is again:
I think we (and most certainly I have) overlooked how important the little moments are! So glad to have you here, Melisa. I love the idea to scour a thrift store—who can resist a treasure hunt?
And always happy to meet a fan of period dramas. I loved When Calls The Heart but unfortunately couldn’t find where to watch the last few seasons. 😢
I was nodding my head in agreement with practically every paragraph you wrote here!Regarding lighting, I try not use overhead lighting in the evenings to make the house cozier and so that our bodies attempt to slow down as the sun goes down. It seems to work better on me than my children, but I’ll try anything to make for a smoother bedtime!
Woot! Glad to hear it struck a chord with you (and that I’m not the only one who feels this way). Even if it’s just you that ends up feeling restful from the ambient lighting, that sounds a win to me!
Love the cake plan, and I've bookmarked a couple of the recipes on your list! Some excellent books that I've also added to our list, thanks!
Ooh do share if you give any cakes a try! Would be great to compare notes. 🍰
I’m so glad to have found this newsletter! It’s just what I’ve been looking for!
So happy to have you here, Lisa. I deeply adore everything you’re doing with your wonderful newsletter. You’re the aunty I aspire to be ☺️
Thank you! What kind and lovely words, Sri.
I, meanwhile, have been wanting a go-to resource for referring people to good books to read with kids and I think I've just found it...
Ahh that makes me so happy! Thank you!
Katy!! We love her. The map is my favorite. I can’t wait to read 1. This post in full 2. The rest of these kids books! Then I’ll pretend it’ll snow instead of get back up to the 80’s again next week.
Yes! The map is irresistible! I’m so tempted to rip it out and frame it. You’re more than welcome to visit if you’d like a taste of “real” winter 🥶
I, too, am looking forward to All Creatures Big and Small. I also think a lot about lighting.
Although I have never considered myself a winter person. I recently realized that I have a general proclivity towards coziness year-round and since this is most culturally acceptable during the winter--am I really a winter person? It's turned my world upside down.
I think this may in fact indicate you are a winter person ha! I wonder if we go through seasons in life (obviously pun intended) of the seasons itself. My twenties were all about the summer but maybe, this decade is about a restful, recovering winter? That sounds pretty divine, actually.
I love your cake plan! Please give us updates! Winter is our outdoor season here in the desert, so I am looking forward to being outside without roasting. But summer dread is real here and what gets me through is similar to what you've mentioned--finding some small beauty to savor each day. I use my IG account, but any place you can make a record to look back on helps. I also make sure to plan something special each month in the last bits of the heat. We went camping at Grand Canyon this August, but even a day trip to somewhere with different restaurants and museums will do.
Absolutely will be updating you on the cake. We may emerge in Spring absolutely sick of it 😝
I love all the wonderful things you do and plan! And that’s such a smart idea of keeping a record. What a wonderful way to get an immediate endorphin boost just recalling the fun.
I love adding lamps and flameless tapers around the house in the winter. The flickering lights are so cozy. It was my goal to read One Hundred Years of Solitude this year as part of my rereading project but I'm pushing it back to next year... so I'll have to reread before I can watch! Hope you have a restful December.
I thought of you and your candle recommendation from last year! Looking forward to your updates on your reread.
I think we (and most certainly I have) overlook how important the little moments are! So glad to have you here, Melisa. I love the idea to scour a thrift store—who can resist a treasure hunt?
And always happy to meet a fan of period dramas. I loved When Calls The Heart but unfortunately couldn’t find where to watch the last few seasons. 😢